I’ll be leading a great event for photo students, assistants and emerging photographers in Miami on November 10-11, 2012:

Sony Artisans of Imagery and EP President Brian Smith is teaming up with APA New York Chapter Rep and photographer Tony Gale to present Photo Assistant Basic Training in Miami – November 10-11, 2012.

Where: Carousel Studios
3700 NE 1st Court, Miami, Florida 33137

Get a major head start on a career in the photo industry.

With panel discussions, equipment demonstrations from industry experts, and hands-on training, attendees will come away with the essential knowledge and confidence to build your own Pro Assistant reputation. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of professional assisting behavioral guidelines, including contemporary set-etiquette, and discover how this valuable training will get you more call-backs – more repeat clients, more work.

DAY ONE: Saturday, November 10, 2012

Kicks off with the popular “Assistant Panel” which includes experts on working as a photo assistant. Get real world answers to all questions from the attendees. Following the panel discussion will be exciting live software and equipment demonstrations with industry reps from Sony, Profoto, and Adobe. Learn from the pros. Industry reps will be on hand to answer all your questions.

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS THE PANEL WILL COVER

How should an aspiring assistant approach a photographer?
How did you get your first assistant job?
How do I find photographers to work for?
What rate should an assistant charge?
What is the difference between a tech and an assistant?
How long should I wait to get paid?
Who besides a photographer should I contact to get assisting work?
What do you look for in a photographer you work for?
What should an assistant bring to a shoot?
What questions should an assistant ask when called for a job?
What do you say if asked if you are a photographer too?
What do you do if you have to make a call? Cell phones on set?
Networking and social media?
What non-photo skills should I have? Social Media, blogging, self promotion etc?
How should you dress/appear?
What about mixing male/female assistants?
Travel? Overtime?
Assistants as employees/freelancers?
How and should an assistant be picking up gear and equipment before & after shoot?
Interns? Are they paid?
How much of your own work do you shoot will being a busy assistant?

Questions for the Photographers on the Panel:

When was the last time you used a new assistant?
How did you find them?
What do you look for in an assistant?

DAY TWO: Sunday, November 11, 2012

Full on, hands-on workshops with much of the gear an assistant will most likely encounter on the majority of professional photo shoots. Many aspects of assisting will be explained in great detail, i.e. strobes, hot lights, flags, scrims, set etiquette, the assistant kit, tips on getting work, billing, and how to deal with the dreaded cancellation. Following classroom discussion and demonstrations, participants will work along side the Pro Photographers to discover crucial pro assisting skills.

COPYRIGHT = $$$

Understanding how to put copyright to work for you is crucial to your success as a photographer. Learn what you need to succeed. Join us for this informative and entertaining program that will inspire and empower.

Topics to be discussed will include:

Why copyright registration matters
What to do when your image has been infringed
How and when to choose an attorney
Fair Use – When is it really fair?
What is published vs. unpublished?

It’s kinda cool when you’re watching 60 Minutes and all of a sudden one of your photos fills the screen like this Sports Illustrated Cover of NFL Agent Drew Rosenhaus for a profile on the Miami super-agent, but hey 60 Minutes, how bout a little love?

As Miami prepares for Art Basel, Photo Miami, Art Miami, PULSE and a plethora of Art fairs, a Big Shout Out of THANKS to PDN’s Holly Hughes and Connor Risch for interviewing me about the Miami Photography scene for their Photo District News Miami Photography Guide. Thanks PDN!